Today’s Meditation

From The Upper Room The World’s Most Widely Read Daily Devotional Guide

Response Of Faith

Read Matthew 1:18-25

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

- Matthew 1:24 (NIV)

Joseph had done the right things but gotten the wrong result. He’d treated his betrothed with respect and honor, only to learn that she was with child. One thing he could be sure of was that Mary’s child wasn’t his. At first he might have been angry. He probably was heartbroken. But through it all, he chose to respond in what seemed to be the most gentle, loving way he could when he decided to “divorce her quietly.”

Both of our Lord’s earthly parents had open hearts. Joseph heard the angel and responded with the action that made him the guardian of Jesus, as surely as Mary’s acceptance made her the mother of Christ in human flesh.

The stories of Joseph and Mary remind us that God asks a response of faith. We are to share more of Christ’s love, more of what it means that “God is with us.” This response is not demanded. It grows from the gift of God’s presence. Then our faith enables us to seek and follow God’s lifechanging path.

Michael Henry

(Indiana, USA)

Thought for the Day: Watch the movie The Nativity Story to see how Mary and Joseph are portrayed.

Prayer: Lord, may our hearts be open to hear you and joyfully respond in faith. Amen.